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Henry Ricciuti Obituary
Ithaca: Henry N. Ricciuti, 93, of 308 Winthrop Drive, Ithaca, died Monday, March 14, 2011, at home. Born December 25, 1917 in Waterbury, CT, son of the late Raffaele and Cristina Massorelli Ricciuti. Henry served as a professor on the Faculty of Cornell University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies from 1958-1988, and as a highly active Emeritus Professor from 1988-2011, a period of 53 years. His great passion was research and teaching in the field of early childhood development, especially the factors associated with cognitive and emotional development of infants and young children. He was highly respected in his field, publishing numerous articles and leading national and international research studies, serving as the first Steering Committee Chair of the NIH Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (1989-1991). He served twice as Department Chairman (1970-73, 1982-86), mentored many graduate students and colleagues, and was asked to participate in or lead numerous university-wide committees. In 2001, he received the Society for Research in Child Development Award for Distinguished Contributions to Public Policy for Children. Prior to joining the Cornell faculty he served as Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut, Research Associate at the Educational Testing Service, and Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Medical School. He received his BS, MA and Ph.D. degrees (Psychology, 1949) from Fordham University and served in the US Army from 1943-46. Henry possessed a curious mind that sought to explain the world around him, a great generosity of spirit, and a deep religious faith. He loved his family, music, Cornell University basketball and the New York Yankees. Henry was a long-time member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church where he participated actively in the Choir and the Peace & Justice Committee. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Florence Brennan Ricciuti; sons, James R. (Janet) Ricciuti and Thomas B. Ricciuti; daughters, Anne E. (Ty Hardaway) Ricciuti and Mary F. Ricciuti; grandchildren, Michael G. and Paul G. Ricciuti and Brennan Mae Hardaway; also a sister, Sr. Josephine Mary. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by brothers, Louis and Edward Ricciuti; and sisters, Cristina Ricciuti, Amelia Carosella and Mary Menotti. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at St Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Marcoux officiating. Friends may call Wednesday, March 16, 2011, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Henry's memory may be made to Cornell University for the Ricciuti Lecture Series, Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Attn: Peter Farley, G77 MVR Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853; or Child Development Council, 609 West Clinton Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Ricciuti
Ewa Wdzieczak
April 2, 2011
Prof. Ricciuti, whom I had a great privilege to assist with his computer needs at CU, was one of the kindest, gentlest, willing to do anything to do anything to help people I've ment. I used to stick my head into his office just to say hello, just to ask if there is anything he'd need from me... even without him asking for an IT assistance. I always smiled when I saw him. I will always miss him. I wish I had a chance to tell him how much he meant to me, to us, to everyone who has met him. Henry, it's also because of you that we want to be better human beings and more aware of how we affect others' lives. Thank you, my friend.
March 30, 2011
Henry was a gift to us all. We here at The Ohio State University are very sad to hear of his passing. He contributed generously as an advisor to the NLSY79 Child survey, an important national study on child development and maternal health. He was a joy to work with - so caring, so honest, so gentle, so willing to share his keen insights and wisdom. Buonanotte Henry.
Paula Baker and the staff at CHRR, Ohio State
March 19, 2011
Dear Anne, Thank you for tracking me down and lettimg me know of your father's passing. He was an extraordinary human being. In my acknowledgements to my dissertation (1988) I wrote:
"As my chairperson and major advisor, Henry Ricciuti provided a model of academic and personal integrity that I hold in the highest esteem. He is truly a mentor."
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man who has left his imprint on so many of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dr. Mary A. Baroni, Seattle, WA
Shawn Lovelace
March 18, 2011
Mrs. Ricciuti/Anne,Mary/Family,
Working with you both, growing with Anne/Mary through many Cornell HD years, then working with Dr. R. as his Admin. Asst., my heart aches as we've all lost a very special man. My love and prayers are with you.
March 17, 2011
Dear Aunt Florence and Cousins,
Uncle Henry was by far my favorite uncle. He was so kind and sensitive and above all he always was interested in what you were doing. Even though he was considerably older he related well to every generation. Rich and our children always thought highly of him. We all loved him dearly and will miss him very much.
Love
Judy and Rich
March 17, 2011
Dear Aunt Florence and my cousins,
One of my earliest memories as a child was Uncle Henry in his Army OFFICER'S uniform. Ernest and I were so proud. He made us a machine gun out of wood. When I got older, I was proud of him in a different way. I told everybody about my uncle the "famous Cornell professor." Uncle Henry was different from my other uncles, probably because he was so much younger. He was kind of a buddy as well as an uncle. After my father died, he took on a different role, as the patriarch. I loved him dearly. So did Chiqui.
Edward
March 17, 2011
Dear Florence and Family-
So very sorry for your loss. Henry was an amazing man with an amazing family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Mary Leonardo
Mary Bouchard
March 17, 2011
The obituary doesn't mention Henry's involvement with the Head Start program, where I met him nearly two decades ago. He was a wonderful man, with a sincere interest in children's development. I don't know his family, but I offer my sincerest condolences to them. I have only good memories of my interactions with him.
Bob & Pat Crowley
March 16, 2011
Dear Florence and Family,
Sorry to hear that Henry had passesd away. I knew him mostly from the store and we had many interesting conservations. God Bless !
Katharine Lynch
March 16, 2011
Mary, our thoughts are with you and your family as you all gather together to celebrate your father's, life, loves and work. Looking forward to walks on the mountain when you can share more stories and memories with us. Love, Kathy, Millie and Jonathan
March 16, 2011
Anne and family, I am sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Amanda and Romain.
March 16, 2011
Mary and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of your dad. May his fond memories and loving spirit live in your heart forever. We are thinking of you!
God Bless, Mike, Sherrie, Connor and Kelsey Price
March 15, 2011
It was quite a tribute to read about Henry's life and accomplishments. We knew him as Mary's funny and full of life father. We hope that he is at peace, and his memory will continue on in those whose lives he touched. From the neighbors in Hamden.
Susan Huff
March 15, 2011
It was quite a tribute to read about Henry's life and accomplishments. We knew him as Mary's funny and full of life father. We hope that he is at peace, and his memory will continue on in those whose lives he touched. From the neighbors in Hamden.
Brenn Hardaway
March 15, 2011
Grandpa liked to hear me play guitar and piano.
I love you and I will miss you.
Love, Brenn
Sandy Verity
March 15, 2011
Florence and family I am sorry for your loss.
Richard Kreipe, MD
March 15, 2011
Henry was a great friend and mentor beyond the Cornell Campus. Many of us at the University of Rochester benefitted from his wisdom and guidance. They don't make them like Henry anymore. Peace
March 15, 2011
Mrs. Ricciuti, Mary, Tom, Anne and Jim,
We are thinking of you and send you much love.
Lisa Skrubis and family
Aletha Huston
March 15, 2011
Henry was an extraordinary professor, scholar, mentor, and human being. I joined the Department of Child Development and Family Relationships as a young Assistant Professor in 1965, finding Henry a wonderfully supportive and helpful colleague. As Chair of the Steering Committee of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care, Henry provided intelligent, calm and balanced leadership that enabled us to launch a major piece of research. He is a model for all of us. Aletha Huston
Lori Carr
March 15, 2011
Florence, with my deepest sympathy.. I'm thinking of you. Please call on me if I can do anything for you. Much love, Lori Carr
March 15, 2011
We love you all and are praying for each of you. We will surely miss Uncle Henry.
Monica, Brandon, and Daniel
Bonnie Huff
March 15, 2011
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Ricciuti family. I have wonderful memories of working with Henry. Peace.
March 15, 2011
To the Ricciuti family,I used to work at the garage in Cayuga Heights and enjoyed the many conversations I had with Henry. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Palmer,Chenango Forks
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